VASCO
Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho on Friday assured the regularisation of 545 houses in the New Vaddem Housing Board Colony at Vasco, bringing much-needed relief to the residents, many of whom are workers with the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC).
The announcement was made during an event attended by Goa Housing Board (GHB) Chairman Jit Arolkar and local officials.
Addressing the gathering, Godinho acknowledged the long-standing housing issues faced by the colony’s residents.
“This is a long-pending issue which has been unresolved for many years. I am glad that GHB Chairman Jit Arolkar is personally involved, and we are working as a team to see how these houses can be transferred into the names of their rightful owners,” said Godinho.
“There are many challenges involved in the process, particularly the lack of a NOC from the MMC and the need for coordination between various government agencies."
“Even if we find some encroachments, we can at least allot the houses and land in the names of the residents. These people have lived here for over 30 years without access to proper facilities. Many of them are MMC workers who work tirelessly to keep our city clean and functioning. It is our duty to ensure they have a proper place to call home,” said Godinho.
"The decision is expected to bring significant relief to the residents, many of whom have lived in uncertainty for decades. This move marks a critical step towards ensuring secure housing for those who have contributed significantly to the upkeep and functioning of the city.”
Arolkar stressed the importance of resolving the long-standing issues.
“When the minister informed me about the situation, I realised that there are 545 houses which have not been transferred to the owners’ names yet. This issue should have been addressed long ago, and I assure you that the Goa Housing Board will expedite the regularisation process to get their homes in their names at the earliest,” said Arolkar.
Ward councillor Sudesh Bhosle, also present at the event, said the residents could now look forward to having a permanent and secure place to live.
“The regularisation of these homes is seen as a major step towards improving the lives of the city's essential workers,” said Bhosle.
